monthly noise monitoring assessment · 27 october 2018 which satisfied the noise limit of 40dba...
TRANSCRIPT
Monthly Noise Monitoring Assessment
Tomingley Gold Mine, October 2018
Prepared for: Tomingley Gold Operations Pty LimitedNovember 2018MAC160270RP27
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Document Information
Monthly Noise Monitoring Assessment
Tomingley Gold Mine, October 2018
Document ID Status Date Prepared By Signed Reviewed By Signed
MAC160270RP27 Final 15 November 2018 Nicholas Shipman Oliver Muller
DISCLAIMER
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circumstances and limitations derived between MAC and the client. Information and/or report(s) prepared by MAC may not be suitable for uses other than the
original intended objective. No parties other than the client should use or reproduce any information and/or report(s) without obtaining permission from MAC.
Any information and/or documents prepared by MAC is not to be reproduced, presented or reviewed except in full.
Prepared for: Tomingley Gold Operations Pty Limited
Prepared by: Muller Acoustic Consulting Pty LtdPO Box 262, Newcastle NSW 2300ABN: 36 602 225 132P: +61 2 4920 1833www.mulleracoustic.com
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CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................................................5
2 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION LICENSE NOISE LIMITS.............................................................................................................7
3 METHODOLOGY ...............................................................................................................................................................................9
3.1 LOCALITY.....................................................................................................................................................................................9
3.2 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................................................................9
4 RESULTS ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 11
4.1 ASSESSMENT RESULTS - LOCATION R2................................................................................................................................ 11
4.2 ASSESSMENT RESULTS - LOCATION R3/R29 ........................................................................................................................ 12
4.3 ASSESSMENT RESULTS - LOCATION R4................................................................................................................................ 13
4.4 ASSESSMENT RESULTS - LOCATION R5................................................................................................................................ 14
4.5 ASSESSMENT RESULTS - LOCATION R6................................................................................................................................ 15
4.6 ASSESSMENT RESULTS - LOCATION R23.............................................................................................................................. 16
5 DISCUSSION .................................................................................................................................................................................. 17
5.1 DISCUSSION OF RESULTS - LOCATION R2 ........................................................................................................................... 17
5.2 DISCUSSION OF RESULTS - LOCATION R3/R29.................................................................................................................... 17
5.3 DISCUSSION OF RESULTS - LOCATION R4 ........................................................................................................................... 17
5.4 DISCUSSION OF RESULTS - LOCATION R5 ........................................................................................................................... 17
5.5 DISCUSSION OF RESULTS - LOCATION R6 ........................................................................................................................... 17
5.6 DISCUSSION OF RESULTS - LOCATION R23 ......................................................................................................................... 18
6 COMPARISON OF ATTENDED AND UNATTENDED MONITORING RESULTS ........................................................................... 19
7 CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................................................................ 21
APPENDIX A - GLOSSARY OF TERMS
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1 Introduction
Muller Acoustic Consulting Pty Ltd (MAC) has been commissioned by Tomingley Gold Operations Pty
Ltd (TGO) to complete a Noise Monitoring Assessment (NMA) for Tomingley Gold Mine (‘the mine’).
The NMA involved quantifying the noise contribution of the mine by direct attended measurements to
determine mining noise emissions so that effective management and controls can be implemented
where required. The monitoring has been conducted in accordance with the TGO Noise Management
Plan and in general accordance with Conditions L4.2 to L4.7 of the EPL at six representative receiver
locations. It is noted that this assessment has been completed as part of an internal noise management
initiative and does not form part of the annual noise monitoring program to address conditions of the
Environmental Protection License (EPL).
The assessment has been conducted in accordance with the following documents:
NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Noise Policy for Industry (NPI) 2017;
Environment Protection Licence EPL 20169 (EPL); and
Australian Standard AS 1055:2018 - Acoustics - Description and measurement ofenvironmental noise - General Procedures.
A glossary of terms, definitions and abbreviations used in this report is provided in Appendix A.
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2 Environmental Protection License Noise Limits
Historic assessments for the mine categorise receivers into Noise Assessment Groups (NAGs). The
NAGs were derived based on ambient noise data that controlled receiver RBLs.
Table 1 reproduces the operational and sleep disturbance noise limits for assessed receivers referenced
from the EPL that have been adopted for this NMA and are consistent with historic EPL monitoring
locations.
Table 1 Noise Limits, dBANoise Assessment
GroupReceivers
Day Evening Night
LAeq(15min) LAeq(15min) LAeq(15min) LA1(1min)
NAG AR6, R4 36 36 36 45
R5 37 37 37 45
NAG B R2 36 36 36 45
NAG CR3 49 40 40 45
R29 48 40 40 45
NAG D R23 43 39 39 46
Note: Refer to figure in Appendix 4 of Project Approval 09-0155 for noise locations. However, these criteria do not apply if the Proponent has an agreement with the relevant owner(s)
of these residences / land to generate higher noise levels, and the Proponent has advised the Department of Planning and Infrastructure and EPA in writing of the terms of this
agreement.
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3 Methodology
3.1 Locality
TGO is located to the south of the village of Tomingley, NSW. Receivers in the locality surrounding the
mine are primarily rural/residential and for consistency the naming conventions for each receiver has
been retained from historic noise assessments. The monitoring locations with respect to the mine are
presented in the locality plan shown in Figure 1.
3.2 Assessment Methodology
The attended noise survey was conducted in general accordance with the procedures described in
Australian Standard AS 1055:2018, “Acoustics - Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise”
and the EPL. Measurements were carried out using Svantek Type 1, 977 noise analyser from
Saturday 27 October 2018 to Monday 29 October 2018. The acoustic instrumentation used carries
current NATA calibration and complies with AS IEC 61672.1-2004-Electroacoustics - Sound level meters
- Specifications. Calibration of all instrumentation was checked prior to and following measurements.
Drift in calibration did not exceed ±0.5dBA.
Both evening and night measurements were of 15 minutes duration. Where possible, throughout each
survey the operator quantified the contribution of each significant noise source. Extraneous noise
sources were excluded from the analysis to calculate the LAeq(15min) mine noise contribution for
comparison against the relevant EPL limit.
Prevailing meteorological conditions for the monitoring period were sourced from TGO’s meteorological
station and analysed in accordance with Appendix E4 of the NPI to determine the stability category
present at the time of each measured sample. This was undertaken to determine applicability of results
in accordance with Condition L4.3 of the EPL. Results obtained during non-prevailing meteorological
conditions (ie F Class Stability in conjunction with a 2m/s drainage wind or a G Class Stability) are
considered not applicable against the EPL criteria.
N
FIGURE 1 - LOCALITY PLAN AND ASSESSMENT LOCATIONS
TOMINGLEY GOLD MINE EPL NOISE MONITORING
KEY
ASSESSED RECEPTORS
1000m0
R2
R4
R6
R5
Inset
R23
R29R3
MINE SITE BOUNDARY
REF: MAC160270
BROOKLANDS UNATTENDED
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4 Results
The monitoring and assessment results are presented in individual tables for each assessment location.
4.1 Assessment Results - Location R2
The results of the attended noise measurements at location R2 for Saturday 27 October 2018 to
Monday 29 October 2018 are summarised in Table 2 with the relevant EPL limits, the calculated mining
noise contribution and prevailing meteorological conditions at the time of each measurement.
Table 2 Operator-Attended Noise Survey Results – Location R2
Date Time (hrs)Descriptor (dBA re 20 µPa) EPL
LimitMeteorology1 Description and SPL, dBA
LAmax LAeq LA90
27/10/2018 21:45 83 62 43 36
Dir: S
2 m/s
Stab Class: E
Wind in trees 56-76
Local traffic 56-83
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
27/10/2018 22:00 76 61 45 36
Dir: S
1.5 m/s
Stab Class: D
Wind in trees 49-76
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
28/10/2018 21:39 78 49 38 36
Dir: NW
1.5 m/s
Stab Class: D
Wind in trees 34-42
Insects <34
Local traffic 36-78
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
28/10/2018 22:00 54 35 32 36
Dir: NW
1 m/s
Stab Class: E
Wind in trees 35-54
Insects <32
Distant traffic <32
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
29/10/2018 21:31 53 30 28 36
Dir: S
0.1 m/s
Stab Class: E
Distant traffic 29-33
Insects <29
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
29/10/2018 22:00 36 29 27 36
Dir: S
0.1 m/s
Stab Class: D
Insects <28
Distant traffic 28-31
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
Note 1: Meteorological data obtained from TGO’s on-site weather station or by direct measurement by the operator.
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4.2 Assessment Results - Location R3/R29
The results of the attended noise measurements at location R3/R29 Saturday 27 October 2018 to
Monday 29 October 2018 are summarised in Table 3 with the relevant EPL limits, the calculated mining
noise contribution and prevailing meteorological conditions at the time of each measurement.
Table 3 Operator-Attended Noise Survey Results – Location R3/R29
DateTime
(hrs)
Descriptor (dBA re 20 µPa)EPL Limit Meteorology1 Description and SPL, dBA
LAmax LAeq LA90
27/10/2018 21:13 80 59 40 40
Dir: S
1.5 m/s
Stab Class: E
Highway traffic 38-80
Idling highway traffic 39-42
TGO Crushing plant <38
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution <38
27/10/2018 22:37 80 62 37 40
Dir: S
1 m/s
Stab Class: D
Highway traffic 38-78
Idling highway traffic 36-39
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
28/10/2018 21:01 81 63 38 40
Dir: NW
2 m/s
Stab Class: D
Wind 38-46
Highway traffic 38-81
Dog bark 49-51
Insects <38
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
28/10/2018 22:40 79 58 31 40
Dir: NW
0.5 m/s
Stab Class: D
Idling highway traffic 38-42
Highway traffic 36-79
Wind in trees <35
Dog bark 36-41
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
29/10/2018 20:54 82 64 38 40
Dir: S
0.5 m/s
Stab Class: E
Highway traffic 32-82
Insects <32
Idling highway traffic 34-42
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
29/10/2018 22:37 91 68 44 40
Dir: S
0.5 m/s
Stab Class: F
Highway traffic 35-91
Insects <35
Idling highway traffic 49-54
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
Note 1: Meteorological data obtained from TGO’s on-site weather station or by direct measurement by the operator.
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4.3 Assessment Results - Location R4
The results of the attended noise measurements at location R4 for Saturday 27 October 2018 to
Monday 29 October 2018 are summarised in Table 4 with the relevant EPL limits, the calculated mining
noise contribution and prevailing meteorological conditions at the time of each measurement.
Table 4 Operator-Attended Noise Survey Results – Location R4
DateTime
(hrs)
Descriptor (dBA re 20 µPa) EPL
LimitMeteorology1 Description and SPL, dBA
LAmax LAeq LA90
27/10/2018 20:24 62 41 35 36
Dir: S
2 m/s
Stab Class: D
Wind in trees 34-62
Distant traffic <34
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
27/10/2018 23:23 49 34 30 36
Dir: S
1 m/s
Stab Class: D
Wind in trees 32-49
Distant traffic <32
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
28/10/2018 20:16 59 44 38 36
Dir: W
2 m/s
Stab Class: D
Wind in trees 38-49
Insects <38
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
28/10/2018 23:25 55 34 26 36
Dir: NW
0.5 m/s
Stab Class: D
Insects <33
Wind in trees 33-36
Birds 49-55
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
29/10/2018 20:10 50 32 28 36
Dir: S
0.1 m/s
Stab Class: F
Insects <33
Livestock 33-36
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
29/10/2018 23:21 53 42 38 36
Dir: S
2 m/s
Stab Class: D
Wind in trees 36-53
Insects <38
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
Note 1: Meteorological data obtained from TGO’s on-site weather station or by direct measurement by the operator.
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4.4 Assessment Results - Location R5
The results of the attended noise measurements at location R5 for Saturday 27 October 2018 to
Monday 29 October 2018 are summarised in Table 5 with the relevant EPL limits, the calculated mining
noise contribution and prevailing meteorological conditions at the time of each measurement.
Table 5 Operator-Attended Noise Survey Results – Location R5
DateTime
(hrs)
Descriptor (dBA re 20 µPa) EPL
LimitMeteorology1 Description and SPL, dBA
LAmax LAeq LA90
27/10/2018 20:00 83 64 38 37
Dir: S
1.5 m/s
Stab Class: D
Highway traffic 37-82
Wind in trees 37-43
Insects <38
Birds 38-42
Dog bark 38-46
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
27/10/2018 23:43 82 61 29 37
Dir: S
0.5 m/s
Stab Class: D
Highway traffic 33-81
Insects <30
Wind in trees 29-34
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
28/10/2018 19:56 83 62 31 37
Dir: W
0.1 m/s
Stab Class: D
Insects <34
Highway traffic 34-81
Birds 34-43
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
28/10/2018 23:45 82 59 26 37
Dir: NW
0.1 m/s
Stab Class: D
Highway traffic 30-79
Insects <30
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
29/10/2018 19:49 84 64 31 37
Dir: S
0.1 m/s
Stab Class: E
Highway traffic 34-84
Insects <32
Birds 39-50
Dog bark 37-44
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
29/10/2018 23:41 81 60 39 37
Dir: S
2 m/s
Stab Class: D
Highway traffic 38-81
Wind in trees 38-46
Insects <39
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
Note 1: Meteorological data obtained from TGO’s on-site weather station or by direct measurement by the operator.
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4.5 Assessment Results - Location R6
The results of the attended noise measurements at location R6 for Saturday 27 October 2018 to
Monday 29 October 2018 are summarised in Table 6 with the relevant EPL limits, the calculated mining
noise contribution and prevailing meteorological conditions at the time of each measurement.
Table 6 Operator-Attended Noise Survey Results – Location R6
DateTime
(hrs)
Descriptor (dBA re 20 µPa) EPL
LimitMeteorology1 Description and SPL, dBA
LAmax LAeq LA90
27/10/2018 20:50 49 34 30 36
Dir: S
2 m/s
Stab Class: D
Wind in trees 34-46
Insects <34
Distant traffic <34
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
27/10/2018 23:00 46 38 35 36
Dir: S
1.5 m/s
Stab Class: D
Distant traffic <39
Wind in trees 39-40
Insects <39
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
28/10/2018 20:39 53 42 38 36
Dir: NW
2 m/s
Stab Class: D
Wind in trees 36-48
Distant traffic 36-40
Insects <38
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
28/10/2018 23:02 54 40 37 36
Dir: NW
1.5 m/s
Stab Class: D
Distant traffic <38
Wind in trees 38-51
Insects <37
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
29/10/2018 20:34 53 29 25 36
Dir: S
0.1 m/s
Stab Class: D
Insects 28-31
Distant traffic 28-34
Dog bark 31-34
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
29/10/2018 22:58 46 26 22 36
Dir: S
0.1 m/s
Stab Class: D
Insects 24-26
Distant traffic 26-38
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
Note 1: Meteorological data obtained from TGO’s on-site weather station or by direct measurement by the operator.
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4.6 Assessment Results - Location R23
The results of the attended noise measurements at location R23 for Saturday 27 October 2018 to
Monday 29 October 2018 are summarised in Table 7 with the relevant EPL limits, the calculated mining
noise contribution and prevailing meteorological conditions at the time of each measurement.
Table 7 Operator-Attended Noise Survey Results – Location R23
DateTime
(hrs)
Descriptor (dBA re 20 µPa) EPL
LimitMeteorology1 Description and SPL, dBA
LAmax LAeq LA90
27/10/2018 21:29 57 43 40 39
Dir: S
1 m/s
Stab Class: E
Idling highway traffic 38-40
Highway traffic 38-51
Local residential noise 42-57
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
27/10/2018 22:20 62 46 42 39
Dir: S
1 m/s
Stab Class: E
Idling highway traffic 37-43
Highway traffic 42-56
Local traffic 51-61
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
28/10/2018 21:18 59 48 42 39
Dir: NW
1.5 m/s
Stab Class: D
Highway traffic 38-58
Wind <38
Idling highway traffic 39-44
Dog bark 48-59
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
28/10/2018 22:24 60 42 38 39
Dir: NW
0.1 m/s
Stab Class: F
Idling highway traffic 38-60
Highway traffic 38-44
Insects <38
Dog bark 49-55
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
29/10/2018 21:11 54 44 34 39
Dir: S
0.1 m/s
Stab Class: E
Highway traffic 34-54
Insects <34
Idling highway traffic 34-41
Dog bark 42-48
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
29/10/2018 22:20 58 45 34 39
Dir: S
0.1 m/s
Stab Class: D
Highway traffic 36-56
Idling highway traffic 36-40
TGO Site LAeq(15min) Contribution TGO Inaudible
Note 1: Meteorological data obtained from TGO’s on-site weather station or by direct measurement by the operator.
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5 Discussion
5.1 Discussion of Results - Location R2
Monitoring between Saturday 27 October 2018 to Monday 29 October 2018 identified that TGO mine
remained inaudible during all six measurements. Therefore, the relevant noise limit of 36dBA LAeq(15min)
was satisfied during this monitoring period. Extraneous sources such as wind in trees, local traffic,
insects and distant traffic were audible during the survey periods.
5.2 Discussion of Results - Location R3/R29
Monitoring results for R3/R29 were dominated by highway traffic that was constant for all six
measurements conducted for the October 2018 survey. TGO mine noise was audible on one of six
occasions, with mining contributions measured at <38dBA during the evening period on
27 October 2018 which satisfied the noise limit of 40dBA LAeq(15min). Highway traffic, idling highway
traffic, TGO crushing plant, dog bark, insects and wind in trees were audible during the measurements
at R3/R29.
5.3 Discussion of Results - Location R4
TGO mine noise was inaudible during all six measurements conducted from Saturday 27 October 2018
to Monday 29 October 2018 at R4. Therefore, the relevant noise limit of 36dBA LAeq(15min) was satisfied
during the October 2018 period. Wind in trees, distant traffic, insects, livestock and birds were audible
during the measurements at R4.
5.4 Discussion of Results - Location R5
TGO mine noise remained inaudible during all six attended noise measurements at R5 for the
October 2018 period. Therefore, relevant noise limits of 37dBA LAeq(15min) were satisfied. Highway
traffic was the dominant source at this receiver with the other non-mining sources including wind in trees,
insects, birds and dog bark.
5.5 Discussion of Results - Location R6
TGO mine noise was inaudible during six occasions throughout the October 2018 monitoring period at
R6, therefore satisfying the relevant EPL noise limit of 36dBA LAeq(15min). Non-mining sources included
wind in trees, insects, distant traffic and dog bark during the attended surveys.
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5.6 Discussion of Results - Location R23
TGO mine noise was inaudible during six occasions at R23 during the October 2018 period, therefore
remained in compliance with the relevant EPL criteria of 39dBA LAeq(15min). Audible sources included
idling highway traffic, highway traffic, local residential noise, local traffic, wind, dog bark, and insects.
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6 Comparison of Attended and Unattended Monitoring Results
To address Condition 6 of Schedule 3 of the Project Approval, a program to calibrate and validate the
real-time noise monitoring results with the attended monitoring results has been completed.
The validation compares monthly attended monitoring results against the closest assessed unattended
monitoring location. Currently, TGO has one unattended real-time monitoring terminal installed at the
Brooklands property (nearest to R23). Figure 1 identifies the location of the monitor with respect to the
attended monitoring locations. It is noted that the Brooklands unattended monitor is situated 600m west
of the attended noise monitoring location R23, therefore, background (LA90) noise levels are significantly
lower due to offset distance to highway traffic.
A comparison of mine noise contributions between attended and unattended noise monitoring
demonstrates a general consistency between attended and unattended results. It was noted that
highway traffic noise influenced measured noise levels for this assessment. Furthermore, for
October 2018, results remained below the relevant criteria for both attended and unattended locations.
Table 8 provides a summary comparison of results between the attended and unattended noise surveys
for R23.
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Table 8 Comparison of Attended and Unattended Results – R23
Assessment
Type
Time
(hrs)
Descriptor
(dBA re 20 µPa) CriteriaMine Noise
ContributionMeteorology1 Description and SPL,
dBALAmax LAeq LA90
Saturday 27 October 2018
Attended 21:29 57 43 40 39TGO
InaudibleDir: S
1 m/s
Stab Class: E
Idling highway traffic 38-40
Highway traffic 38-51
Local residential noise 42-57
Unattended 21:25 59 42 34 39TGO
Inaudible
Insects
Wind
Attended 22:20 62 46 42 39TGO
InaudibleDir: S
1 m/s
Stab Class: E
Idling highway traffic 37-43
Highway traffic 42-56
Local traffic 51-61
Unattended 22:25 59 43 32 39TGO
Inaudible
Dog bark
Insects
Sunday 28 October 2018
Attended 21:18 59 48 42 39TGO
InaudibleDir: NW
1.5 m/s
Stab Class: D
Highway traffic 38-58
Wind <38
Idling highway traffic 39-44
Dog bark 48-59
Unattended 21:25 56 39 35 39TGO
InaudibleDistant traffic
Attended 22:24 60 42 38 39TGO
InaudibleDir: NW
0.1 m/s
Stab Class: F
Idling highway traffic 38-60
Highway traffic 38-44
Insects <38
Dog bark 49-55
Unattended 22:25 55 42 38 39TGO
InaudibleDistant traffic
Monday 29 October 2018
Attended 21:11 54 44 34 39TGO
InaudibleDir: S
0.1 m/s
Stab Class: E
Highway traffic 34-54
Insects <34
Idling highway traffic 34-41
Dog bark 42-48
Unattended 21:10 47 36 30 39TGO
Inaudible
Insects
Wind
Attended 22:20 58 45 34 39TGO
InaudibleDir: S
0.1 m/s
Stab Class: D
Highway traffic 36-56
Idling highway traffic 36-40
Unattended 22:25 48 36 30 39TGO
Inaudible
Insects
Wind
Note 1: Meteorological data obtained from TGO’s on-site weather station or by direct measurement by the operator.
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7 Conclusion
Muller Acoustic Consulting Pty Ltd (MAC) has completed a Noise Monitoring Assessment on behalf of
Tomingley Gold Operations (TGO). The assessment was completed to provide monthly monitoring data
so that TGO can actively quantify and manage site noise emissions.
Attended monitoring conducted from Saturday 27 October 2018 to Monday 29 October 2018,
identified that TGO mine noise was audible on one occasion at location R3/R29 during the evening
period on 27 October 2018, although did not exceed relevant limits during the October 2018
assessment period.
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MAC160270RP27
Appendix A - Glossary of Terms
MAC160270RP27
Several technical terms have been used in this report and are explained in Table A1.
Table A1 Glossary of Terms
Term Description
1/3 Octave Single octave bands divided into three parts
Octave A division of the frequency range into bands, the upper frequency limit of each band being
twice the lower frequency limit.
ABL Assessment Background Level (ABL) is defined in the NPI as a single figure background level
for each assessment period (day, evening and night). It is the tenth percentile of the measured
L90 statistical noise levels.
Ambient Noise The noise associated with a given environment. Typically a composite of sounds from many
sources located both near and far where no particular sound is dominant.
A Weighting A standard weighting of the audible frequencies designed to reflect the response of the human
ear to noise.
dBA Noise is measured in units called decibels (dB). There are several scales for describing noise,
the most common being the ‘A-weighted’ scale. This attempts to closely approximate the
frequency response of the human ear.
dB(Z) Decibels Linear or decibels Z-weighted.
Hertz (Hz) The measure of frequency of sound wave oscillations per second - 1 oscillation per second
equals 1 hertz.
LA10 A noise level which is exceeded 10 % of the time. It is approximately equivalent to the average
of maximum noise levels.
LA90 Commonly referred to as the background noise, this is the level exceeded 90 % of the time.
LAeq The summation of noise over a selected period of time. It is the energy average noise from a
source, and is the equivalent continuous sound pressure level over a given period.
LAmax The maximum root mean squared (rms) sound pressure level received at the microphone
during a measuring interval.
RBL The Rating Background Level (RBL) is an overall single figure background level representing
each assessment period over the whole monitoring period. The RBL is used to determine the
intrusiveness criteria for noise assessment purposes and is the median of the ABL’s.
Sound power level (SWL) This is a measure of the total power radiated by a source. The sound power of a source is a
fundamental location of the source and is independent of the surrounding environment. Or a
measure of the energy emitted from a source as sound and is given by :
= 10.log10 (W/Wo)
Where : W is the sound power in watts and Wo is the sound reference power at 10-12 watts.
MAC160270RP27
Table A2 provides a list of common noise sources and their typical sound level.
Table A2 Common Noise Sources and Their Typical Sound Pressure Levels (SPL), dBA
Source Typical Sound Level
Threshold of pain 140
Jet engine 130
Hydraulic hammer 120
Chainsaw 110
Industrial workshop 100
Lawn-mower (operator position) 90
Heavy traffic (footpath) 80
Elevated speech 70
Typical conversation 60
Ambient suburban environment 40
Ambient rural environment 30
Bedroom (night with windows closed) 20
Threshold of hearing 0
Figure A1 – Human Perception of Sound
Muller Acoustic Consulting Pty LtdPO Box 262, Newcastle NSW 2300ABN: 36 602 225 132P: +61 2 4920 1833www.mulleracoustic.com